SAN ANTONIO – As spring break gets started, it is hoped that the memory of what was seen in the Reagan High School parking lot on Friday remains fresh in students' minds for years to come.
It was a one-day mock drill, complete with a simulated drunken driving accident, death, rescue, and memorial service for the victim.
It featured hundreds of extras and added reality from AirLife, the San Antonio Fire Department, San Antonio Police Department, Texas Towing, the Texas Department of Transportation and even San Antonio Military Medical Center.
The acting was provided from Reagan students who hoped the realistic scene had an impact on all watching it unfold.
"We know we can't prevent everyone from drinking and driving, but at least if we can impact one person, I think we have done a pretty good job," said student Daniella Camello. "Maybe they'll have a vivid image and that will prevent them from drinking and driving."
Shattered Dreams organizers say the leading cause of death and serious injury to teenagers ages 15-19 is traffic crashes and that the fatalities are a result of from teen drinking and driving, speeding, and teens driving distracted.
Jiselle Alaniz was taking pictures of the crash and the aftermath.
"It's just heartbreaking to see and knowing what the students' pain would be if it were actually real," she said.
Sherry Dimmer is a trauma injury coordinator at San Antonio Military Medical Center and helped plan the first Shattered Dreams program nearly 20 years ago.
"It's not about the crash and the alcohol and the motor vehicle. It's about living and dying and the choices you make as an individual whether to get into the car with someone who has been drinking and driving, or you get behind the wheel after you've been drinking," said Dimmer.
The students in the audience knew it was not real, but they also knew it could happen even this weekend.
Hayley Thomas said she won't drink and drive now.
"Having our friends involved and knowing the people and seeing the impact, it really, like, hit (home). I think it's really important that they did so that everyone can see," said Thomas.